PARIS, May 29, 2017

Qualifier Richel Hogenkamp upset Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in the opening round at Roland Garros, winning 6-2, 7-5 on Court 8 on Monday.

The 25-year-old from the Netherlands won 82 per cent of her first service points and broke serve of the former World No. 1 four times to seal victory in one hour and 11 minutes.

“I know that she has a much better backhand. So for me it was a pretty easy task to try and break down the forehand. So that was the plan from the beginning, starting a lot to serve to her forehand and in the rally try to neutralize it and play to the forehand. That was the key, and I was serving pretty well today,” Hogenkamp told afterwards.

Hogenkamp is currently ranked on a career high World No. 105 and clinched two ITF Pro Circuit titles this season. She qualified for her first French Open main draw.

“I think this is one of the most important wins for me. I’ve been playing well lately. And to be able to continue it in a Grand Slam and be able to win matches in the main draw, it’s very important for me. So that shows me that I’m on the right track.”

Muguruza Opens Title Defence

Garbine Muguruza (photo: Brigitte Urban)

Roland Garros defending champion Garbine Muguruza also advanced to the second round. The fourth seed from Spain edged past Italian veteran Francesca Schiavone, winning 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 32 minutes.

“It was a tough first match. Schiavone can be a very tricky player. I’m happy that I managed to play a good match against an ex-champ on centre court. I wanted to do it well, so I kind of found a balance,” Muguruza was pleased with her performance.

Muguruza will next take on Anett Kontaveit from Estonia.